We’ve all heard “a picture is worth a thousand words”, but let’s be honest. The best ones are so great that when you see them, you don’t know what to say. Apart from all of that, photos are one crucial part of wedding planning, the wedding day, and the years following the Big Day.

When in planning mode, it’s all about finding inspiration to help you take the vision you have and make it a reality. And, there is no better way to express the ideas you have in your head than with pictures. Enter: Love Olio.

Love Olio was built to showcase engagement and wedding photos from the most creative photographers around the world. Just take one look at the home page and you’ll know that the creators met their objective!

Anyone (bride or weddding pro) can easily spend hours surfing though the site’s gorgeous pictures (I have spent hours. Seriously.). Another plus? If you’re searching for a photog in a certain area for your own special event, it’s a breeze to do – just click on your state in the left hand column.

Go check it out for yourself – LoveOlio.com – and find more gorgeous images like this one from Boutwell Studio in California. Love.

For the longest time I believed that pink and red would not and could not look fabulous together. But, after viewing picture after picture, tablescape after tablescape, my mind has been changed.

Bold reds and soft pinks provide a fun yet feminine color combo that you can dress up for an elegant evening soiree or down for an afternoon picnic.

Some tips for working with this color scheme –
- Decide the overall look and feel you’re going for before you pick the exact reds and pinks you want to go with. Use something bright and bold for a cocktail reception or dusty tones for a shabby chic event.
- Make sure you pick the right red and pink combination. Neon pink and a deep red probably won’t look the most pulled together.
- Don’t try to pull in too many shades of either color. We love colors because you can lighten and darken them to get whatever shade or tone you want, but too many pinks paired with too many reds might overload your eyeballs.

Another bit of inspiration – aqua and red is perfect for a fresh spring or summer wedding!

Ok, so, this doesn’t have anything to do with weddings, but it’s something I HAD to share. I believe THE GIRL EFFECT! Do you?

The last post on bright bridesmaids ensambles inspired this post on Yellow, Black and White wedding inspiration. This mod combo has been around for a while but it’s still alive and kickin’. The clean back and white mixed with the bold yellow is for anyone but the faint of wedding design heart.

I saw this green and pink vintage inspiration board yesterday on the Wedding Wire Blog, and it was just too fabulous not to share. I adore anything pink and green and this board is particularly lovely.

I used to have something against baskets. I always envisioned them as something just … “not my style”. BUT! I must say, I’ve recently fallen in love with them. Especially in home decor.

Here is a nice example from Apartment Therapy ~

So, of course, as with many other fabulous home decor items, they can too easily be applied to weddings! Here are some ideas for you, if you wish to include baskets in your big day!

The Usual

Flower Girl Baskets – This one is pretty obvious. In fact, it’s pretty much the first thing I think of when I hear “wedding” and “basket” in the same sentences. They come in just about any shape, size, and style. If you’re going to go with a basket for your little lady (or ladies), just make sure you coordinate the size of girl and size of basket – you don’t want a tiny person tripping down the aisle with an over sized basket! Here is a super sweet example from Yande Bridal (as seen on Etsy). Too precious!

Welcome Baskets – These little treats are a great way to welcome guests to your wedding destination! And hey, you don’t have to be having a “destination wedding” to use them. Say you grew up in Kansas City and that’s where your wedding is. You’re not really from out of town, but that doesn’t mean some of your guests aren’t. They might really enjoy a few local treats and some additional info on the city or town your wedding is in – things like places to see and visit, good spots to eat, etc. Plus, who doesn’t like a few goodies when they arrive in a new place? Here is an awesome basketfull of fabulousness from Kate Parker Weddings.

Ceremony Program or Card Holder – This is one we see quite often. Baskets are a great for holding things…obviously. That’s why they were created, after all! And, because they come in so many different looks (and can often be found in many nooks and crannies in houses and churches and banquet halls), they are a perfect, last second addition to any wedding program or gift table. Here is a snazzy shot from the marvelous Erica May Photography!

The Not-So-Usual

Bridesmaids Bouquets – I don’t think many brides envision their ladies walking down the aisle before them armed in baskets full of flowers. But think how sweet they could be for a garden or outdoor wedding. Once they arrive at the alter, have the girls drop off each basket in a predetermined spot then move to their assigned spot. I like this arrangement from FTD of all places! Order baskets that are just a bit different from each other to mix things up and stay out of the too-matched trap.

Get Away Vehicles – This idea is just too cute for words. While I wouldn’t recommend strapping a basket full of flowers to your limo, if a bike is your transportation of choice, tie one up! I love this photo from terry_hug.

Centerpieces – Lots of centerpieces are gussied up with glass and candles…maybe some pin lighting here and there. But, if baskets are your style (or you have some from a ceremony held earlier in the day [see above and below]), placing them atop your reception tables might be all you need for reception decor. How beautiful is this lovely arrangement from Prescott Wedding Florist?

Aisle Decorations – Here is another spot just waiting to be filled with flowery baskets – your aisle! Pair with lanterns of different shapes and sizes and voila – you have a charming, lit path for you to stroll down to meet your significant other. I LOVE this sweet and very natural basket form Country Living.

Favor Holder – This one might fit under “the usual” category, but, with unique favors, I think it’s placed right where it should be. While baskets a great for holding and helping to hand out bubbles or flower petals for a grand getaway, why not house your favors or little reception extras in some good sized baskets. For weddings in nippy weather, where your guest might enjoy an additional cover up, place some soft scarves (or light blankets tied with ribbon) into a basket in a high traffic area with a sign that instructs guests to take and use. I adore this shot from Jo Gartin.

Do you have any other fabulous wedding basket ideas? Please do share with us!

There is just something about chandeliers that fascinates me. Today, you can find them out there in almost any style from classic to glamorous, to shabby chic to just plain chic and modern.

So, looking for ways to incorporate chandeliers into your wedding? They don’t just need to be hung above the dance floor and tables (though we love that too)! First check out this FABULOUS event by artfool. I love the chic black and white and the event space, exposed pipes and all. The added chandeliers top everything off with a touch of modern elegance.

Or how about on your invitations? Check out this sample from Pomp & Circumstance’s Greenvites.

If you’ve already got your lighting figured out and your list of lights doesn’t include chandeliers but still want to work them into your decor, what about using this paper chandeliers as centerpieces or as other decor accents? We found this on Palindrome Press’s Esty Shop, but is sadly no longer in stock. Perhaps they would make a great DIY project; just grab some really heavy, large sheets of card stock and get creative!

And if you want to drape yourself in sparkly things just like a chandelier, you could always go the chandelier earring route. But! I think these are a bit more unique…and well, look more like they are an actual part of a chandelier. I saw this in a inspiration board from Snippit & Ink (which I posted about two posts ago!). The Neiman Marcus earrings come at a pretty high price, but they are oh so lovely! And surely you can find some other similar ones out there, with a much prettier price tag.

Who says you can’t carry the chandelier theme into your new life together?! I adore these pillow cases from modcloth.com. Fabulous! And while your there, check out the chandelier wall art. Why not?!

I could spend years of my life looking through architecture and interior design/decorating books and magazines and websites. There is always something new, interesting, and inspiring to uncover. So of course, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about Buzz Media Company’s Room-to-Wedding Inspiration boards via Style Me Pretty. Abby did a great board a while back and Buzz Media is keeping the inspiration coming. Check out a fab example below.

Monograms are exciting, especially when you get to change it up with new initials! If you like the idea of monograms here and there, here are a few good spots you might want to place them.

Pink Cake Box

Filigree Monograms

Filigree Monograms

Exclusively Weddings

Paperterie Store

Gracious Bridal

There are so many more things you can monogram if you feel the need (just don’t go overboard)! For example, a dance floor spot light, underthings (*wink*), pocket squares or handkerchiefs for your groom and his men and jewelry.

What else could or would you throw a monogram on?